Bulls Fall In OT To Tornado 3-2

FRISCO, TX – The Amarillo Bulls eight game winning streak came to an end on Friday night at Dr. Pepper Arena in Frisco, TX. The Texas Tornado scored in the final 30 seconds of overtime to edge the Bulls 3-2. Despite gaining just a point, the Bulls lead on second place Tornado was trimmed to five points, while the Topeka RoadRunners moved nine back following their win in Wichita Falls.

Mike Davis and Matt Sieckhaus tallied for the Bulls in the opening period. Goaltender Paul Berrafato played well despite taking the loss.

Bulls Head Coach Dennis Williams was expecting a different type of game than what was played in the first four of the season series, and that is exactly what he got. It was a tight checking affair with both teams playing well defensively. Special teams were also on display as both teams did a good job of shutting down the other’s power play.

It was a nice start to the game for the Amarillo Bulls as they were able to cycle the puck and keep the play inside the Texas zone. Matt Sieckhaus gave the Bulls’ a 1-0 lead when he tipped home a shot from John Rey at 7:30. Joe Grabowski also picked up an assist on the goal. Just over two minutes later, the Tornado tied the game up with a shot at the side of the net. Shortly after that, the Bulls regained the advantage when Mike Davis scored from Garrett Peterson and TJ Sherman. The Bulls outshot the Tornado 15-13 in the first period.

The second period was a tough one for the Amarillo Bulls as they struggled with their play and managed just eight shots on goal. The Tornado, which fired 12 shots in the stanza, tied the game 2-2 early on a play in front of the net.

The final 20 minutes was much better for the Bulls as they controlled a lot of the play and couldn’t score on two power play opportunities. The Bulls limited Texas to just four shots on goal, while getting eight themselves.

In overtime, the Bulls had a hard time clearing the puck out of their own zone and forward Andrew Mayer grabbed the puck and made a move around goaltender Berrafato to win the game.

The Texas Tornado outshot the Amarillo Bulls 35-32. There were six power plays with neither team getting one shorthanded.

The Amarillo Bulls and the Texas Tornado close out their two game series tomorrow (Saturday) night at Dr. Pepper Arena in Frisco TX at 7:30 pm. Fans can tune into the game live on CBS Sports Radio 1440 and www.amarillobulls.com beginning with the Warm Up Show at 7:15 pm and Denis J. Puska. The game is also available on Pay-Per-View courtesy of Fast Hockey, and a high speed internet connection is required in order to view the game.